"The hockey development process has a few general guidelines. Forwards are usually ready to see the NHL during their second season as a pro. Year Three is a solid bet for defensemen.

Goaltenders? Let's just say there's a lot more sand in the hourglass.

The most vital position is usually the toughest to learn. Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas played in five leagues for eight seasons before finally sticking with Boston. Buffalo's Ryan Miller, the previous holder of the Vezina, spent three years in the minors before claiming the Sabres' job (though there's no telling if he would have been ready for the canceled 2004-05 season).

So recently, rather than wait for a prospect, the Sabres have been picking up experienced netminders for the organization. That continued Thursday when they announced the signing of Drew MacIntyre.

The 28-year-old has spent the past eight seasons in the minor leagues, learning the ins and outs of the crease. He knows them well.

MacIntyre excelled last season with Montreal's American Hockey League affiliate in Hamilton, Ont. Acquired via trade in midseason, MacIntyre went 12-6-2 with a 1.89 goals-against average and .938 save percentage. He was 11-9 with a 1.95 GAA and .930 save percentage in the postseason, leading the Bulldogs to Game Seven of the Western Conference finals.

The 6-foot, 184-pounder has posted a save percentage above .920 in four of the last five seasons. A fourth-round pick by Detroit in the 2001 entry draft, MacIntyre has appeared in two NHL games. He went 0-1 for Vancouver in 2007-08, stopping 19 of 22 shots in 61 minutes of work.

He wants more. He'll compete for the Sabres' backup spot with Jhonas Enroth, the restricted free agent who remains the favorite to play behind Miller after earning nine victories last season. "